Then I offer a writing exercise for newbies and pros alike, guaranteed to get your creative muscles flexing. It is quick and simple, and will make you a stronger writer and a smarter rewriter. It will also give you a chance to win a free, autographed copy of AFRAID. It all happens at Laurin Wittig's blog:

Finally, if you're up for a little debate about violence in books and movies, we're having a heavy discussion over at Erica Orloff's excellent blog, discussing why people like horror, and if Afraid is simply torture-porn. Drop by and weigh in: